Poppet valve and engine using same

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the present invention provides a poppet valve offering an increased valve area, comprising an outer valve head having an outer valve port and an inner valve head having an inner valve port. The inner valve head is rotatable relative to the outer valve head to align the inner and outer valve ports, thereby increasing the effective valve area of the poppet valve. The path created by aligning the inner and outer valve ports can be designed to mix air flowing through the poppet valve. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a valve guide containing a poppet valve having a guide pin, wherein the guide pin rests within a groove in the valve guide. As the poppet valve moves through the valve guide, the groove controls movement of the guide pin and causes the poppet valve to rotate relative to the valve guide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/507,419, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,068, filed Aug. 21, 2006, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/792,415entitled “Poppet Valve and Engine Using Same”, filed on Apr. 17, 2006,which are each herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The operation of internal combustion engines is well known to those ofskill in the art. For example, a typical one-cylinder, two-valveinternal combustion engine includes a reciprocating piston which definesa combustion chamber for the combustion of a fuel charge comprising afuel-air mixture, with the combustion chamber being the variable volumebetween the top of the piston and the cylinder head. The cylinder headcontains an intake poppet valve (“intake valve”), an exhaust poppetvalve (“exhaust valve”), and an ignition source such as a spark plug.The piston is connected via a connecting rod to a crankshaft whichconverts the reciprocating linear motion of the piston into a usefultorque on the crankshaft.

During the intake stroke, the piston moves downward and away from thecylinder head, lowering the pressure in the combustion chamber relativeto the pressure on the other side of the intake valve. As the pistontravels downward, the intake valve extends into the combustion chamber,or “lifts,” wherein the pressure differential between the combustionchamber and the intake port causes the fuel charge to flow into thecombustion chamber. The intake valve then closes and the fuel mixture iscompressed in the combustion chamber as the piston travels toward thecylinder head. At top dead center, the piston is at its maximum verticalposition and the fuel charge is at its maximum compression. The fuelmixture is then ignited, driving the piston downwards and generating atorque on the crank shaft. The exhaust valve then opens and the positivepressure of the exhaust gas causes it to flow out of the combustionchamber and into the exhaust port.

As understood by one of skill in the art, the amount of fuel charge thatcan flow into the combustion chamber during the limited time that theintake valve is open is a function of the “intake valve area,” whichconsists of the two-dimensional area between the intake valve at maximumlift and the cylinder head. Since an internal combustion engine isessentially an air pump, the power and efficiency of an internalcombustion engine is directly proportional to the intake valve area.Similarly, the power and efficiency of an internal combustion engine isalso proportional to the amount of exhaust gas that can be expelled fromthe combustion chamber during the limited time that the exhaust valve isopen. The amount of exhaust gas expelled is a function of the exhaustvalve area. Similarly, the power and efficiency of an internalcombustion engine is also a function of how well the fuel and air havebeen mixed just prior to combustion.

Poppet valves as known in the art generally comprise a narrow valve stemwhich rapidly widens at one end into a circular valve head. The valvehead fits into a corresponding circular opening in the cylinder headsuch that the combustion chamber is a closed volume when the intake andexhaust valves are closed. Modern internal combustion engines sometimesuse more than two total valves to increase the total intake and exhaustvalve areas, providing greater engine efficiency and power output. Forexample, some internal combustion engines use two intake valves and twoexhaust valves, which provide a larger total valve area than a two-valvedesign. Some engines even use three intake valves and two exhaust valvesto further increase total valve area. However, there is a limit to thenumber of valves that can be used in a given cylinder head because thearea of the cylinder head in which the valves rest is finite.Additionally, using a very large number of small valves does not improveengine efficiency because a very small valve area has a greater flowresistance per unit area than a larger valve area.

Internal combustion engines use fuels that are derived from crude oil,the supply of which is increasingly finite and unstable. When combustionengines burn such fuels they produce emissions that cause a negativeimpact on the environment—and governments have promulgated and enforcedincreasingly stringent environmental regulations as a result. Butalternatives to the internal combustion engine are few, and they arecostly. In light of these and other developments, there is an increasingneed in the art to extract more power and efficiency from combustionengines.

A poppet valve that offered an increased valve area would produce morepower per unit of fuel than existing poppet valves, thus enablingmanufacturers to produce engines that consume less fuel withoutsacrificing power. The same results would inhere from the use of apoppet valve that caused the fuel charge to mix more thoroughly in thecombustion chamber, such as by creating a vortex in the combustionchamber. Moreover, a poppet valve combining these elements wouldincrease fuel efficiency more than would a poppet valve offering eitherelement standing alone. A combustion engine using poppet valves thatoffered an increased valve area or caused the fuel charge to mix morethoroughly, or both, would, by increasing fuel efficiency, enable usersof combustion systems to reduce their energy consumption. This, in turn,would materially contribute to the more efficient utilization andconservation of energy resources. The reduction in energy consumptionalso would lead to a reduction in harmful emissions, thus materiallyenhancing the quality of the environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a poppet valve is provided.The poppet valve comprises an outer valve head comprising an outer valveport and an inner valve head comprising an inner valve port. An innervalve port can be a closed two-dimensional area, or the inner valve portcan be an open two-dimensional area. Similarly, the outer valve port canbe a closed two-dimensional area, or the outer valve port can be an opentwo-dimensional area. The inner valve head is rotatable relative to theouter valve head so that the outer valve port can be aligned with theinner valve port, thereby increasing the effective valve area of thepoppet valve.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a poppet valve isprovided. The poppet valve comprises an outer valve head comprising anouter valve port and an inner valve head comprising a valve “portcover.” The port cover is a solid portion of the inner valve head whichcan obstruct flow through the outer valve port. The inner valve head isrotatable relative to the outer valve head so that the port cover canopen a path through the outer valve port, thereby increasing theeffective valve area of the poppet valve.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a poppet valve isprovided. The poppet valve comprises a hollow outer valve containing aninner valve. The outer valve comprises an outer valve stem and an outervalve head, with the outer valve head having one or more outer valveports. The inner valve comprises an inner valve stem and an inner valvehead, with the inner valve head having one or more valve port coverscorresponding to the one or more outer valve ports. The inner valverotates relative to the outer valve, causing the valve port covers toopen and close the outer valve ports, thereby increasing the effectivevalve area of the poppet valve.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a poppet valvecomprising a hollow outer valve containing an inner valve. The outervalve comprises an outer valve stem and an outer valve head, with theouter valve head having one or more outer valve ports. The inner valvecomprises an inner valve stem and an inner valve head, with the innervalve head having one or more inner valve ports corresponding to the oneor more outer valve ports. The inner valve rotates relative to the outervalve, causing the outer valve ports and the inner valve ports to align,thereby increasing the effective valve area of the poppet valve.Further, the outer valve ports and the inner valve ports can be arrangedto improve mixing of the fuel charge in the combustion chamber. Forexample, in one embodiment, the outer valve ports and inner valve portsare arranged to create a spiral or vortex in the combustion chamber.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a guide pin islocated on the outer valve stem of a poppet valve, with the guide pinbeing used to rotate the outer valve relative to the inner valve. In afurther embodiment, the poppet valve may be located within a valveguide, wherein the valve guide includes a recessed timing groove incontact with the guide pin. The timing groove controls the movement ofthe guide pin as the poppet valve moves longitudinally through the valveguide, enabling the outer valve to rotate relative to the valve guide toselectively open and close the valve ports. As understood by one ofskill in the art, any means may be used to prevent or control rotationof the inner valve relative to the outer valve, including mechanical,hydraulic, or electronic actuation. In further embodiments, two or moreguide pins or timing grooves may be used.

In another embodiment of the present invention which includes a poppetvalve, a guide pin is located on an inner valve stem and a timing windowis located on an outer valve stem. The guide pin rests within the timingwindow, with the timing window defining the maximum degree of rotationof the inner valve relative to the outer valve. Further, the poppetvalve may be located within a valve guide, wherein the valve guideincludes a recessed timing groove in contact with the guide pin. Thetiming groove controls the movement of the guide pin as the poppet valvemoves longitudinally through the valve guide, enabling the inner valveto rotate relative to the valve guide and selectively open and close theouter valve ports. In further embodiments, two or more guide pins,timing windows, or timing grooves may be used.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a poppet valve islocated within a valve guide, wherein the valve guide includes alongitudinal recessed groove and the outer valve includes acorresponding longitudinal ridge in contact with the groove, preventingthe outer valve from freely rotating relative to the valve guide. Thelongitudinal ridge is additionally advantageous because it strengthensthe outer valve stem.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an internalcombustion engine having a combustion chamber and a poppet valve whichallows air to flow from an intake passage into the combustion chamber.The poppet valve comprises an outer valve head having one or more outervalve ports, and an inner valve head having one or more inner valveports. The inner valve rotates relative to the outer valve, aligning theinner and outer valve ports to create a plurality of paths through thepoppet valve, thereby increasing the effective valve area of the poppetvalve. In one embodiment, at least one path is designed to improvemixing of the fuel charge in the combustion chamber as air flows throughthe poppet valve. For example, one or both of the outer valve ports orthe inner valve ports can be arranged to create a vortex or cyclone inthe combustion chamber as air flows through the poppet valve.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a valve guide with atiming groove is provided. A poppet valve is located within the valveguide, with the poppet valve comprising a hollow outer valve containingan inner valve. The outer valve comprises an outer valve stem and anouter valve head, with the outer valve head having one or more outervalve ports. The inner valve comprises an inner valve stem and an innervalve head, with the inner valve head having one or more valve portcovers corresponding to the one or more outer valve ports. The innervalve stem includes a guide pin which protrudes through a timing windowin the outer valve stem, with the guide pin in contact with the timinggroove. As the poppet valve moves longitudinally relative to the valveguide, the force exerted by the timing groove on the guide pin causesthe inner valve to rotate relative to the valve guide, selectivelyopening and closing the outer valve ports. In one embodiment, the outervalve ports and/or port covers can be arranged to improve mixing of thefuel charge in the combustion chamber as air flows through the poppetvalve. In another embodiment, the outer valve ports and/or port coversare arranged to create a vortex or swirling action in the combustionchamber as the fuel charge flows through the poppet valve.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for operatingan intake poppet valve in an internal combustion engine is provided,wherein the poppet valve comprises an inner valve head having an innervalve port and an outer valve head having an outer valve port. First,the piston moves away from the cylinder head, increasing the volume ofthe combustion chamber. Second, the poppet valve extends into thecombustion chamber, enabling air to flow past the outer valve head intothe combustion chamber. Third, the inner valve rotates in a firstrotational direction relative to the outer valve, causing the outervalve port to open, enabling the fuel charge to flow into the combustionchamber through the outer valve port. Fourth, the poppet valve isretracted toward the cylinder head. Fifth, the inner valve is rotatedrelative to the outer valve in a direction opposite of the firstrotational direction, causing the outer valve port to close. Sixth, thepiston moves toward the cylinder head, decreasing the volume in thecombustion chamber. Seventh, the outer head of the poppet valve restsagainst the cylinder head, closing the combustion chamber. Finally, thefuel charge in the combustion chamber is ignited. In furtherembodiments, one or more of the outer valve ports, inner valve ports, orvalve port covers is or are arranged to improve mixing of the fuelcharge in the combustion chamber as air flows through the poppet valve.For example, one or more of the outer valve ports and port covers can bearranged to create a vortex or swirling action in the combustion chamberas air flows through the poppet valve. Further, any embodiment of thepoppet valve or valve guide of the present invention may be used withthe present embodiment. One of skill in the art will also understandthat the method of the current embodiment can be modified to operate anexhaust poppet valve in an internal combustion engine.

One of skill in the art will understand that any feature, element, orcharacteristic of any embodiment of the present invention can be used orcombined with any feature, element, or characteristic of any otherembodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated,it is in no way intended that any method or embodiment set forth hereinbe construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specificorder. Accordingly, where a method or system claim does not specificallystate in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited toa specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, inany respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis forinterpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangementof steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammaticalorganization or punctuation, or the number or type of embodimentsdescribed in the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. The embodiments described in the drawings and specificationin no way limit or define the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view in partial section of one embodiment ofthe poppet valve of the present invention, showing the poppet valve inthe closed position.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view in partial section of one embodiment ofthe poppet valve of the present invention, showing the poppet valve inthe open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the poppet valve ofthe present invention showing a plurality of valve ports arranged tocreate a swirling action in the combustion chamber as air flows throughthe poppet valve.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the inner valve head of one embodimentof the poppet valve of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the inner valve head of anotherembodiment of the poppet valve of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view in partial section of one embodiment ofthe valve guide of the present invention showing the guide pin in thevalve closed position.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view in partial section of one embodiment ofthe valve guide of the present invention showing the guide pin in thevalve open position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an internal combustion enginecontaining one embodiment of the poppet valve of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of one embodiment of the present inventionfor operating a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been illustrated in relation to embodimentswhich are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that the presentinvention is capable of many modifications and variations withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

The word “rotation” and the phrase “relative rotation” between any twocomponents of the present invention refer to a relative rotation betweenthe two components. As understood by one of skill in the art, “relativerotation” between a first component and a second component means thatthe first component may stay rotationally fixed while the secondcomponent rotates, that the first component rotates while the secondcomponent stays rotationally fixed, or that both the first and secondcomponents rotate simultaneously or at different times with respect toeach other. Thus, in embodiments of the present invention which recitean inner valve rotating relative to, or with respect to, an outer valve,for example, the outer valve may be rotationally fixed while the innervalve rotates, the outer valve may rotate while the inner valve staysrotationally fixed, or both the inner and outer valves may rotatesimultaneously with respect to each other. The words “align”, “aligned”,“alignment”, and “aligning” are defined herein to refer to a partial orfull alignment between two components. Thus, an inner valve port isaligned with an outer valve port if there is any path through thoseinner and outer valve ports through which a substance, such as air, canflow, regardless of the shape or size of the path.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a poppet valve as shownin FIG. 1A. The poppet valve in FIG. 1A comprises a hollow outer valvecontaining an inner valve. The outer valve comprises an outer valve stem101 and an outer valve head 106, with the outer valve head 106 havingfour outer valve ports 103. The inner valve comprises an inner valvestem 102 and an inner valve head 107, with the inner valve head 107having four valve port covers 104 corresponding to the four outer valveports 103. The inner valve head 107 also comprises four inner valveports 105 corresponding to the four outer valve ports 103. In theembodiment of FIG. 1A, one of skill in the art will see that the innervalve ports 105 comprise a closed two-dimensional area. The inner valverotates relative to the outer valve, causing the valve port covers 104to selectively open and close the outer valve ports 103, therebyincreasing the effective valve area of the poppet valve. In theembodiment of FIG. 1A the poppet valve is in the closed position,wherein the outer valve ports 103 are obstructed by the port covers 104,preventing air from flowing through the outer valve ports 103.

FIG. 1B illustrates the poppet valve embodiment of FIG. 1A with thepoppet valve in the open position. In this embodiment, the inner valvehas been rotated relative to the outer valve, wherein the outer valveports 103 are not obstructed by the valve port covers 104, and the outervalve ports 103 are aligned with the inner valve ports 105, allowing airto flow through the poppet valve by flowing through the outer valveports 103 and then flowing through the inner valve ports 105. One ofskill in the art will understand that embodiments of the presentinvention relating to a poppet valve can be used for any purpose andwith regard to any type of substance, including solids, liquids, andgases. Accordingly, while some embodiments of the present inventiondescribe a poppet valve useable with an internal combustion engine,these embodiments are descriptive and not limiting.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a poppet valvecomprising a hollow outer valve containing an inner valve, as shown inFIG. 2. The outer valve comprises an outer valve stem 202 and an outervalve head 203, with the outer valve head having one or more outer valveports 204. The inner valve as seen in the figure comprises an innervalve stem and an inner valve head, with the inner valve head having oneor more valve port covers and one or more inner valve portscorresponding to the outer valve ports 204. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,the inner valve rotates relative to the outer valve, causing the valveport covers to selectively open and close the outer valve ports 204,thereby increasing the effective valve area of the poppet valve. In thisembodiment, the one or more outer valve ports 204 and inner valve portsare arranged to improve mixing of the fuel charge in the combustionchamber as air flows through the poppet valve. As shown in theembodiment of FIG. 2, the outer valve ports and the inner valve portsare arranged to create a swirl or vortex in the combustion chamber asair flows through the poppet valve. The swirling action produced by thepoppet valve shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 improves mixing of thefuel and air in the combustion chamber, enabling more power to beextracted from a given amount of fuel.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 can be extended by arranging the outer valveports 204 and inner valve ports in a variety of ways to producedifferent mixing effects in the combustion chamber of an internalcombustion engine. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of theouter valve ports 204 and/or inner valve ports may not be parallel tothe outer valve stem 202. In another embodiment, the outer valve ports204 and/or the inner valve ports are each directed towards one part ofthe combustion chamber, such as towards the center line of thecombustion chamber. In yet another embodiment, the outer valve ports 204and/or the inner valve ports are arranged such that the incoming air isdirected away from the center line of the outer valve stem 202. Infurther embodiments, the outer valve ports 204 and/or the inner valveports are directed to work in concert with other elements of theinternal combustion engine to improve mixing of the fuel charge in thecombustion chamber. For example, the outer valve ports 204 and/or theinner valve ports can be arranged to direct the fuel charge into groovesor channels in the top of the piston. One skilled in the art willappreciate that numerous outer valve port 204 and inner valve portarrangements are available to optimize the fuel charge mixing of a giveninternal combustion engine.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an inner valvehead usable with any embodiment of the poppet valve of the presentinvention, including the poppet valves embodied in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 4A,4B, 5, and 6. In FIG. 3A, the inner valve head is a circular disccomprising four valve port covers for obstructing flow. For illustrativeand discussion purposes only, the inner valve head of FIG. 3A can becombined with the outer valve of FIG. 1A to create an embodiment of thepresent invention. One of skill in the art can see that the valve portcover 301 is a solid portion of the inner valve head which prevents thefuel charge from flowing through the outer valve ports 103 when thepoppet valve is in the closed position. When the poppet valve is in theopen position, the four outer valve ports 103 are aligned with the fourinner valve ports 302, enabling air to flow through the poppet valve byflowing through the outer valve ports 103 and then by flowing throughthe inner valve ports 302. One of skill in the art can see that theinner valve ports 302 are closed two-dimensional areas in the currentembodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an inner valvehead usable with any embodiment of the poppet valve of the presentinvention, including the poppet valves embodied in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 4A,4B, 5, and 6. In FIG. 3B, the inner valve head comprises four valve portcovers 303 as well as four inner valve ports 304. One of skill in theart will see that the inner valve ports 304 are open two-dimensionalareas. For illustrative and discussion purposes only, the inner valvehead of FIG. 3B can be combined with the outer valve of FIG. 1A tocreate an embodiment of the present invention. One of skill in the artcan see that the valve port cover 303 is a solid portion of the innervalve head which prevents air from flowing through the outer valve ports103 when the poppet valve is in the closed position. When the poppetvalve is in the open position, the four outer valve ports 103 are nottotally obstructed by the four valve port covers 303, enabling the fuelcharge to flow through the poppet valve by flowing through the outervalve ports 103 and through the inner valve ports 304. One of skill inthe art will see that the inner valve head shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 3B does not have inner valve ports as in the embodiment of FIG. 3Abecause the area between adjacent valve port covers 303 in FIG. 3B isnot closed by a connector around the circumference of the inner valvehead as in FIG. 3A. Accordingly, the inner valve head depicted in FIG.3B may have less mass than the inner valve head depicted in FIG. 3Abecause the valve port covers 303 are not connected as they are in FIG.3A. Thus, the inner valve head of FIG. 3B may have less rotationalinertia than the inner valve head of FIG. 3A.

Another embodiment of the present invention, as disclosed in FIG. 4A,provides a valve guide for causing the inner valve of poppet valveembodiments of the present invention to rotate relative to the outervalve of poppet valve embodiments of the present invention. Theembodiment of FIG. 4A is usable with any embodiment of the poppet valveof the present invention, including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A,1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 5, and 6. For illustrative and discussion purposes only,the poppet valve embodiment of FIG. 1A can be combined with the valveguide embodiment of FIG. 4A to create a further embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, a guide pin 405 is located on theinner valve stem 403 and a timing window 406 is located on the outervalve stem 402. The guide pin 405 rests within the timing window 406 andthe timing window 406 defines the full range of rotation of the innervalve relative to the outer valve. The “valve closed” and “valve open”positions are located within the range of rotation defined by the timingwindow 406.

As seen in the present embodiment, the valve guide 401 includes arecessed timing groove 407 in contact with the guide pin 405. The timinggroove 407 controls the movement of the guide pin 405 as the poppetvalve moves longitudinally through the valve guide 401. Thus, the timinggroove 406 guides the guide pin 405 and causes the inner valve to rotaterelative to the valve guide 401. One of skill in the art will understandthat various means can be used to control the rotation of the outervalve relative to the inner valve in a way usable with the embodiment ofFIG. 4A, including mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic means.

One embodiment for controlling rotation of the outer valve is shown inFIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, the outer valve stem 402 includes a longitudinalridge 404 which is located in a corresponding longitudinal groove of thevalve guide 401. The longitudinal ridge 404 prevents the outer valvefrom rotating relative to the valve guide 401. Since the outer valve andthe valve guide 401 do not rotate relative to each other, the guide pin405 and timing groove 407 cause the inner valve to rotate relative tothe outer valve, thereby selectively opening and closing the outer valveports 103 of the poppet valve. Here, as seen in the current embodiment,the guide pin 405 is in the upper part of the timing groove 407, causingthe poppet valve to be in the closed position wherein the valve portcovers 104 obstruct the valve ports 103. Further, the longitudinal ridge404 is additionally advantageous because it strengthens the outer valvestem 402. As one of skill in the art will understand, two or more guidepins, timing windows, or timing grooves may be used with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4B depicts the embodiments of FIG. 4A wherein the poppet valve hasmoved longitudinally downward through the valve guide 401. Since thepoppet valve has traveled downward through the valve guide, the guidepin 405 has moved within the timing groove 407, causing the inner valveto rotate relative to the outer valve in a clockwise direction. Thus,the poppet valve is in the open position, wherein the outer valve ports103 and the inner valve ports 105 are aligned, allowing air to flowthrough the poppet valve by flowing through the outer valve ports 103and then by flowing through the inner valve ports 105. One of skill inthe art will also see that the inner valve head of the embodiment ofFIG. 3A or 3B can be used with the embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The poppet valve and/or valve guide of each embodiment of the presentinvention can be used in an internal combustion engine as depicted inFIG. 5, including the embodiments discussed with regard to FIGS. 1A, 1B,2, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, and 6. For illustrative and discussion purposes only,the poppet valve as embodied in FIG. 1A is used in the embodiment ofFIG. 5. As known to one of skill in the art, an internal combustionengine includes a reciprocating piston 501 which moves linearly within acylinder 502. The internal combustion engine includes a combustionchamber 503, which is the volume between the top of the piston 501 andthe cylinder head 509. A spark plug 506 may be used as an ignitionsource. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, air is traveling down the intakeport 510 and into the combustion chamber 503. The poppet valve is in theopen position, such that the air is entering the combustion chamber 503by flowing both around the outer valve head 106 and through the outervalve ports 103 and the inner valve ports 105. One of skill in the artwill understand that the internal combustion engine of embodiments ofthe present invention can be of numerous types, including gasoline,diesel, two-stroke, four-stroke, carbureted, fuel injected, direct fuelinjected, and the like. Similarly, the internal combustion engine ofembodiments of the present invention may be naturally aspirated or mayuse a forced induction system, including superchargers and turbochargers as known to those skilled in the art. Also, one of skill in theart will understand that any means can be used to cause the inner valveto rotate relative to the outer valve, such as mechanical, hydraulic,and electric means.

One embodiment of the present invention for operating an intake poppetvalve in an internal combustion engine is provided in FIG. 6. Theinternal combustion engine can be the internal combustion enginedepicted in FIG. 5, but any type of internal combustion engine can beused. The method of FIG. 6 can also be used in non-engine applicationsas well. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the internal combustion enginecomprises a cylinder head including a poppet valve, a combustionchamber, and a piston. The poppet valve of the present embodimentcomprises an outer valve head and an inner valve head. The outer valvehead comprises an outer valve port and an inner valve head comprising aninner valve port. The inner valve rotates relative to the outer valve toalign the outer valve port with the inner valve port, creating a paththrough which air can flow. Any of the poppet valve and valve guideembodiments of the present invention may be used with the embodiment ofFIG. 6, including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A,4B, and 5.

First in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the piston moves 601 away from thecylinder head, increasing the volume in the combustion chamber. Second,the poppet valve extends 602 into the combustion chamber, enabling afuel charge to flow past the outer valve head and into the combustionchamber. Next in the present embodiment, the inner valve head rotates603 in a first rotational direction relative to the outer valve head,causing the outer valve port to align with the inner valve port,creating a path through which air can flow into the combustion chamber.As understood by one of skill in the art, steps 601, 602, and 603 may beperformed in any order depending on the particular valve timing of theinternal combustion engine.

Fourth in the present embodiment, the poppet valve is retracted 604toward the cylinder head. The inner valve head is then rotated 605relative to the outer valve head in a direction opposite of the firstrotational direction, causing the outer valve port to close. Sixth, thepiston moves 606 toward the cylinder head, decreasing the volume in thecombustion chamber. Seventh, the outer head of the poppet valve rests607 against the cylinder head, closing the combustion chamber. Finally,the fuel charge is ignited 608 in the combustion chamber. The innervalve head may be rotated relative to the outer valve head using atleast one of mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic means as known tothose skilled in the art. Steps 604, 605, and 606 may be performed inany order depending on the particular valve timing of the internalcombustion engine, as understood by one of skill in the art.

In one embodiment extending the embodiment of FIG. 6, the poppet valvecomprises an outer valve stem connected to the outer valve head, and aninner valve stem connected to an inner valve head, wherein a guide pinis located on the outer valve stem. In a further embodiment extendingthe embodiment of FIG. 6, the poppet valve further comprises a guide pinlocated on the inner valve stem and a timing window located on the outervalve stem, the guide pin located within the timing window to define themaximum rotation of the inner valve head relative to the outer valvehead. Additionally, the poppet valve may be contained within a valveguide in the cylinder head, the valve guide comprising a timing grooveon the inner surface of the valve guide and in contact with the guidepin, wherein the timing groove exerts a horizontal force on the guidepin as the poppet valve moves longitudinally relative to the valveguide, enabling the outer valve ports to selectively open and close.Further extending the present embodiment, the valve guide may include alongitudinal groove and the outer valve may include a longitudinal ridgein contact with the groove, wherein the groove and ridge prevent theouter valve from freely rotating relative to the valve guide.

In a further embodiment extending the embodiment of FIG. 6, the outervalve port and the inner valve port are designed to improve mixing ofthe fuel charge in the combustion chamber. One of skill in the art willunderstand that either one or both of the inner valve ports and theouter valve ports can be designed to improve mixing in the combustionchamber. In one embodiment, the outer valve port and the inner valveport are arranged to create a swirling action in the combustion chamberwhen air passes through the poppet valve. One of skill in the art willunderstand that every outer and inner valve port arrangement discussedwith respect to embodiments of the present invention may be used withthe embodiment of FIG. 6. Finally, the methods of FIG. 6 can be embeddedin computer program products executable by a digital device, whereindigital devices include personal computers, laptops, personal digitalassistants, digital processors embedded in automobiles, and the like.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection withspecific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is notlimited to the above-disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can bemodified to incorporate any number of variations, alternations,substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, butwhich are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.Specific embodiments should be taken as exemplary and not limiting.

1. A poppet valve comprising: a. an outer valve head comprising at leasta first outer valve port; b. an outer valve stem coupled to the outervalve head; c. an inner valve head carried rotationally against theouter valve head, the inner valve head comprising at least a first innervalve port, wherein the inner valve head and the outer valve head arerotatable relative to each other to create a first path through thepoppet valve when the first inner valve port is aligned with the firstouter valve port, and wherein the poppet valve controls the flow of afluid into an area; and d. an inner valve stem coupled to the innervalve head.
 2. The poppet valve of claim 1, wherein the area comprises acombustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.
 3. The poppet valveof claim 1, wherein the first inner valve port comprises an opentwo-dimensional area.
 4. The poppet valve of claim 1, wherein the firstpath directs at least a portion of the fluid flowing into the area intoa mixing action.
 5. The poppet valve of claim 4, wherein at least a partof the first path is curved.
 6. The poppet valve of claim 4, wherein atleast a part of the first path is not parallel to the outer valve stem.7. The poppet valve of claim 4, wherein the area comprises a combustionchamber of an internal combustion engine.
 8. The poppet valve of claim4, wherein the mixing action comprises a swirling motion.
 9. The poppetvalve of claim 8, wherein at least a part of the first path is curved.10. The poppet valve of claim 8, wherein at least a part of the firstpath is not parallel to the outer valve stem.
 11. The poppet valve ofclaim 8, wherein the area comprises a combustion chamber of an internalcombustion engine.
 12. The poppet valve of claim 11, wherein at least apart of the first path is curved.
 13. The poppet valve of claim 8,wherein the first inner valve port comprises an open two-dimensionalarea.
 14. The poppet valve of claim 1, wherein the first inner valveport directs at least a portion of the fluid flowing into the area intoa mixing action.
 15. The poppet valve of claim 14, wherein the firstinner valve port comprises an open two-dimensional area.
 16. The poppetvalve of claim 14, wherein the area comprises a combustion chamber of aninternal combustion engine.
 17. The poppet valve of claim 14, whereinthe mixing action comprises a swirling motion.
 18. The poppet valve ofclaim 17, wherein the area comprises a combustion chamber of an internalcombustion engine.
 19. The poppet valve of claim 17, wherein the firstinner valve port comprises an open two-dimensional area.
 20. The poppetvalve of claim 1, wherein the first outer valve port directs at least aportion of the fluid flowing into the area into a mixing action.
 21. Thepoppet valve of claim 20, wherein the first inner valve port comprisesan open two-dimensional area.
 22. The poppet valve of claim 20, whereinthe area comprises a combustion chamber of an internal combustionengine.
 23. The poppet valve of claim 20, wherein the mixing actioncomprises a swirling motion.
 24. The poppet valve of claim 23, whereinthe first inner valve port comprises an open two-dimensional area.
 25. Apoppet valve comprising: a. an outer valve head comprising a means forallowing a fluid to pass through the outer valve head; b. an outer valvestem coupled to the outer valve head; c. an inner valve head carriedrotationally against the outer valve head, the inner valve headcomprising a means for allowing the fluid to pass through the innervalve head, wherein the inner valve head and the outer valve head arerotatable relative to each other to create a first path through thepoppet valve when the means for allowing the fluid to pass through theouter valve head is aligned with the means for allowing the fluid topass through the inner valve head; and d. an inner valve stem coupled tothe inner valve head.
 26. The poppet valve of claim 25, wherein thepoppet valve controls flow of the fluid into a combustion chamber of aninternal combustion engine.
 27. The poppet valve of claim 25, whereinthe poppet valve controls flow of the fluid into an area, and whereinthe first path directs at least a portion of the fluid flowing into thearea into a mixing action.
 28. The poppet valve of claim 27, wherein atleast a part of the first path is curved.
 29. The poppet valve of claim27, wherein at least a part of the first path is not parallel to theouter valve stem.
 30. The poppet valve of claim 27, wherein the mixingaction comprises a swirling motion.
 31. The poppet valve of claim 30,wherein at least a part of the first path is curved.
 32. The poppetvalve of claim 30, wherein at least a part of the first path is notparallel to the outer valve stem.
 33. The poppet valve of claim 30,wherein the area comprises a combustion chamber of an internalcombustion engine.
 34. The poppet valve of claim 25, wherein the meansfor allowing the fluid to pass through the outer valve head directs atleast a portion of the fluid exiting the first path into a mixingaction.
 35. The poppet valve of claim 34, wherein the mixing actioncomprises a swirling motion.
 36. The poppet valve of claim 25, whereinthe means for allowing the fluid to pass through the inner valve headdirects at least a portion of the fluid exiting the first path into amixing action.
 37. The poppet valve of claim 36, wherein the mixingaction comprises a swirling motion.
 38. A poppet valve comprising: a. anouter valve head comprising at least a first outer valve port and asecond outer valve port; b. an outer valve stem coupled to the outervalve head; c. an inner valve head carried rotationally against theouter valve head, the inner valve head comprising at least a first innervalve port and a second inner valve port, wherein the inner valve headand the outer valve head are rotatable relative to each other to createa first path and a second path through the poppet valve when the firstand second inner valve ports are aligned with the first and second outervalve ports; and d. an inner valve stem coupled to the inner valve head.39. The poppet valve of claim 38, wherein the poppet valve isincorporated into an internal combustion engine.
 40. The poppet valve ofclaim 38, wherein at least one of the first inner valve port or thesecond inner valve port comprises an open two-dimensional area.
 41. Thepoppet valve of claim 38, wherein at least one of the first path or thesecond path directs at least a portion of a fluid flowing into an areainto a mixing action.
 42. The poppet valve of claim 41, wherein at leasta part of the first path or the second path is curved.
 43. The poppetvalve of claim 41, wherein at least a part of the first path or thesecond path is not parallel to the outer valve stem.
 44. The poppetvalve of claim 41, wherein the mixing action comprises a swirlingmotion.
 45. The poppet valve of claim 44, wherein at least a part of thefirst path or the second path is curved.
 46. The poppet valve of claim44, wherein at least a part of the first path or the second path is notparallel to the outer valve stem.
 47. The poppet valve of claim 38,wherein at least one of the first outer valve port or the second outervalve port directs at least a portion of a fluid exiting the first andsecond paths into a mixing action.
 48. The poppet valve of claim 47,wherein the mixing action comprises a swirling motion.
 49. The poppetvalve of claim 38, wherein at least one of the first inner valve port orthe second inner valve port directs at least a portion of a fluidexiting the first and second paths into a mixing action.
 50. The poppetvalve of claim 49, wherein the mixing action comprises a swirlingmotion.